Forecasting the Future: Why Congress Must Pass the Weather Act Reauthorization Act

It's been just over three months since flash floods devastated Central Texas, tragically claiming more than 130 lives. For countless families, it was a life-altering event — and a heartbreaking reminder of the critical importance of America's weather forecasting enterprise.

To prevent this scale of loss and the billions of dollars in damages that follow, we must take every possible step to ensure our forecasting tools are of world-class quality. As a representative from the hurricane-prone Gulf Coast region, I can tell you that it's not a matter of if another storm — or any natural disaster — will hit, it's when. Americans deserve the best forecasting system in the world, and it's Congress's responsibility to make sure we have it.

Last month, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology took an important step by passing the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation builds off the successes and lessons learned from the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 and strengthens America's forecasting capabilities through targeted investments in innovation, data, and technology.

By harnessing tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, next-generation radars, advanced sensors, and improved data assimilation, this bill will fine-tune accuracy, extend warning lead times, and ultimately save lives and property. Better forecasting isn't just a scientific achievement — it's a lifeline for communities across the country.

The benefits are tangible. Stronger preparedness for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. Reduced economic losses as businesses, farmers, and local leaders get more time to plan and respond. And most importantly, more lives are saved, especially in vulnerable regions like the Texas Gulf Coast and Tornado Alley.

This legislation also ensures that the National Weather Service (NWS) continues to operate at the highest level. The NWS is the backbone of America's weather enterprise — providing the forecasts, alerts, and warnings that protect families and guide first responders. It's also one of the most cost-effective public services in government, costing only a few dollars per American each year while preventing billions in losses. No other federal program delivers a return on investment as great — or as vital — as the National Weather Service.

An integral part of strengthening the NWS is leveraging the power of a robust private sector. Our commercial weather industry has expanded rapidly, driven by unprecedented advances in sensor technology and data collection. American startups and private companies are now collecting data and observations at an incredible pace, vastly expanding the information available to purchase and assimilate into ever more sophisticated models. It is crucial that NOAA leverage the private sector to ensure continuous improvement in the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts. This collaboration is especially important in developing and training AI-driven weather forecasting models, which depend on large, diverse datasets to reach their full potential. The Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 enables this collaboration, will advance forecasting capabilities, and protect lives and property.

America must stay ahead not only in space, energy, and defense, but also in the predictive sciences that safeguard our citizens. The integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced modeling in this bill positions our country to lead in the technologies of tomorrow. If we can land astronauts on the Moon and prepare for Mars, there's no reason we should be second-best at predicting weather here on Earth.

Our Committee has taken the first step by advancing this bipartisan legislation to the full House. Congress should now act swiftly to move the Weather Act Reauthorization Act forward so that families and communities across the country can benefit from first-rate forecasting and greater safety in the face of extreme weather. I look forward to working with Senator Ted Cruz, who leads the Senate Commerce Committee, to ensure this important bill becomes law.

Every day we delay is another day our nation is left vulnerable — to storms, floods, fires, and the unknown. Passing this bill isn't just about weather — it's about ensuring safety, strengthening our communities, and reaffirming America's leadership in science and innovation.